How Can I Take Control of My Energy Costs?

During the coldest and hottest moments in Lexington, your heating and cooling system is an essential ally in keeping your home comfortable. Unfortunately, it’s also your worst enemy when trying to lower your energy consumption. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, your HVAC system could account for nearly half of your household’s energy use.

That hefty draw of energy makes your HVAC unit a good place to start improving your energy habits. Whether you’re looking to shrink your carbon footprint or want to lower your utility bill, there are plenty of ways—big and small—to manage how your heating and cooling system consumes energy.

Switch Out Your Air Filters

The air filters in your HVAC system are vital to maintaining your home’s air quality. They help collect a variety of debris—including dust, dirt and other small particles—and stop them from polluting your home. However, dirty filters impact even more than the air quality. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, a dirty filter can lower air conditioner efficiency by up to 15 percent. Changing out your air filter regularly keeps your system from using an excessive amount of energy. Replace one-inch pleated filters every month. Remember, filters may need more frequent attention if your HVAC system is in constant use, is around dusty conditions, or you have pets at your home. Contact James Heating & A/C, Inc to find out what frequency of filter change is correct for your system.

Schedule Routine HVAC Service

If you expect your HVAC system to operate as efficiently as possible, routine maintenance is key. While it’s spring, have an HVAC technician review your air conditioner and clean its coils, check refrigerant levels, adjust system controls and more. In the fall, have them come back to check up on your furnace and make adjustments before the cold weather sets in later. Consistent maintenance ensures your equipment is ready to work exactly as it was planned to—with peak efficiency. James Heating & A/C, Inc professionals are qualified to help your system get back on track.

Switch Out Your Thermostat

Lowering that utility bill can be as easy as adjusting the temperature in your home while you’re asleep or not at home. The closer the house’s temp is to the conditions outside, the lower your energy bill can be. However, this doesn’t mean you’ll need to take extreme measures each day. The U.S. Department of Energy recommends lowering or increasing (depending on the season) your temperature by simply resetting your thermostat when you are asleep or not at the house.

You could make these adjustments manually each day, but a programmable thermostat helps the process. These thermostats allow you to determine a schedule for your HVAC system and automatically controls the temperature in your home to reach that goal. A smart thermostat takes your control a step further, often allowing you to monitor the temperature wirelessly from almost anywhere. Chat with James Heating & A/C, Inc to see if either of these options are a good fit for you.

Review Your Equipment

Out-of-date HVAC equipment can be a drain on your energy bill during the year. Whether they’re no longer operating efficiently, are the inappropriate size for your home or lack the energy efficiency new systems have, there’s a likelihood your system is costing you extra money if it’s more than 10 years old.

When you’ve determined it’s time to look for a replacement system, James Heating & A/C, Inc can help you out. We’ll help you get to know different efficiency ratings and pick a system that will work for your needs.

If you have other questions about managing your energy costs, need to book maintenance or want to discuss new system options, the team at James Heating & A/C, Inc in Lexington is ready to guide you. Call us at 336-853-6070 or schedule an appointment online.

With more than 100 years in existence, Lennox has always delivered industry-leading innovation and technology while preserving stringent durability and reliability standards. The professionals at James Heating & A/C, Inc help bring those standards to Lexington so that you can always have total home comfort. If you’re in the market for a new HVAC system or even if you just have a question about what we offer, give us a call at 336-853-6070. We’d love to hear from you.